April 7 One-Cent Sales Tax Election '26
On April 7, Moore voters will consider a one-cent sales tax proposition. If approved, this would raise the total rate from 8.5% to 9.5%. The measure is projected to generate approximately $12 million annually, with most funds dedicated to capital improvement projects such as streets, drainage, sewer upgrades, and public facilities, and a portion supporting public safety needs. The proposal provides a pay-as-you-go funding source for infrastructure while reducing the City's portion of your property tax.
Proposition Resources
Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. - Moore Police Advancement Center - Mtg. Room - 1319 N. Janeway
Wednesday, April 1, 6:30 p.m. - The Station Recreation Center - Mtg. Room - 700 S. Broadway
Thursday, April 2, 6:30 p.m. - Moore Community Center - Mtg. Room -
301 S. Howard
"Shall Ordinance No. 1075(26) of the City of Moore, Oklahoma be approved which levies and assesses an additional excise (sales) tax of one percent (1.000%) in addition to all other excise or sales taxes levied by the City or any other taxing authority, upon the gross proceeds or gross receipts derived from all sales to any person taxable under the Oklahoma Sales Tax Code; providing that the additional one percent (1.000%) excise or sales tax shall commence July 1, 2026; and which Ordinance further states that all revenues and proceeds from said tax shall be used for the following capital improvement projects: (i) Ninety percent (90%) of the proceeds of the sales tax shall be designated for streets, sewer, drainage, facilities, property acquisition and engineering; and (ii) Ten percent (10%) of the proceeds of the sales tax shall be designated for public safety operations and equipment, as specified in the Ordinance?
Q: How much money is expected to be generated and how will it be allocated?
A: The proposed increase would generate approximately $12 million per year. The allocation will be 90% to capital improvements (such as road replacement, drainage mitigation, sewer upgrades, public facilities, etc.) and 10% to public safety (operations and equipment).
Q: Are the City of Moore's expenses outpacing our revenue?
A: Cities in Oklahoma operate primarily on sales tax revenue. Moore’s 65,000+ population requires all and then some of our annual sales tax revenue just to offer basic services. Any capital improvements such as road replacement, flooding mitigation, sewer upgrades, public facilities, etc. have traditionally been funded through general obligation bonds. Our proposal is to shift from general obligation bonds to sales tax funding. This allows for:
-Moore’s improvements to be funded from those outside of our city who shop here (conservatively 30% of the revenue) and
-The City of Moore’s portion of the property taxes to decrease
Q: Will my property taxes go down if we shift to using sales tax for capital projects?
A: If the proposition passes, the City’s portion of your property taxes will begin to decrease once the current bonds are paid off. Below are the conservative estimates of the City's millage rate declining through 2030.
| Year | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Millage Rate | 16.6 | 14.6 | 12.7 | 10.6 | 8.4 |
Q: Why doesn't the proposition say that the City's portion of the property taxes will decrease if this passes?
A: The electioneering statute doesn't allow for that to be a part of the proposition. Should the proposition pass, city council is committed to using sales tax revenue for funding which, in turn, will lower the City's portion of the property tax. Any G.O. Bonds that might be contemplated in the future can only be placed on the property tax rolls if approved by voters.
Q: How will this impact sales in Moore?
A: Our own data from past sales tax increases show no negative impact on sales. The National Bureau of Economic Research suggests leakage due to tax avoidance is small and short-lived. Other cities and counties in the metro-OKC area are also considering an increase, ultimately leveling the playing field. At least 30% of sales in Moore come from those who do not live here.
If you spend $10 today, you would be taxed:
86 cents in Oklahoma City
88 cents in Norman
91 cents in Midwest City
85 cents in Moore (95 cents should the proposition pass)
Q: What is the difference between the “One-Cent” in the title and the one percent (1.000%) in the official proposition?
A: There is no difference. A "one-cent" or "penny" increase means 1 cent on every dollar, which is equivalent to a 1% increase in the total tax rate.
Q: Will residents have input into what capital improvement projects are considered?
A: Yes. Residents will continue to have input regarding the projects City Council considers funding.
Videos from the council meetings where the proposal was discussed, please click below:
City Council Meeting - February 2, 2026 (starts at 5:05)
Overview of the Proposition and the vote to place on the April 7 ballot
City Council Meeting - October 6, 2025 (starts at 58:14)
City Council Meeting - November 17, 2025 (starts at 1:06:50)
City Council Meeting - December 15, 2025 (start at 44:32)
City Council Meeting - January 5, 2026 (starts at 30:00)
City Council Meeting - January 20, 2026 (starts at 15:15)
Moore Monthly Cover Story for March
Currently, the City must fund capital projects through general obligation bonds as approved by the voters. Moore City Council seeks to shift the City's funding model which would require increasing the sales tax rate by one cent. This would provide long-term, sustainable funding, help build a “rainy day” fund, and lower the City's portion of the property taxes over time.
- Moore's sales tax revenue comes from sales within our city limits, over 30% (conservatively) of which is paid by folks who live outside of Moore. Visitors can help pay for roads they use. Shoppers can help fund local safety.
- The sales tax in Moore, charged on purchases, is currently 8.5%. From those funds, the state receives a little over half, Moore receives a little under half and a small portion goes to the county. The proposed increase would take Moore's sales tax rate from 8.5% to 9.5%. Currently, Midwest City is 9.1%, OKC is 8.625% and Norman is 8.75%. The median rate for the state is 9.25%.
- The proposed increase would be permanent and would be restricted to capital projects (streets, drainage, sewer upgrades, public facilities, etc.) and public safety (operations and equipment). 20% of these funds will be set aside in a “rainy day” fund.
- The proposed increase would generate approximately $12 million per year.
- The increase would have to be voted in by Moore residents on April 7, 2026.
General obligation bonds have been used in the past which are then paid through property taxes. Rising property taxes can strain household budgets. This new funding model would be a shift from solely general obligation bonds to primarily sales tax. This would allow the City's portion of the property tax to decrease as our obligation bonds come to an end. This allows us to lower the cost of living for residents while sharing more of our tax burden with those who shop or visit Moore.